Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for pre-identifying a model of an aircraft to which a passenger bridge is to be connected and for setting the passenger bridge to a predetermined position in dependence upon the identification. The system uses an imager to capture an image of the aircraft as it approaches the bridge. A local processor of the bridge extracts features for comparison to template data stored locally in a database for a plurality of possible aircraft models. In dependence upon a result of the comparison, a model of the aircraft is identified absent the local processor receiving additional information from an external information source. The local processor retrieves other data from the database for moving the passenger bridge to a predetermined position for the identified model of aircraft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel apparatus for moving passengers between an airport terminal building and a doorway of an aircraft located rearward of a wing of the aircraft. The inventive apparatus includes a passageway member pivotally anchored to one of the terminal building and a passenger loading bridge for servicing a front doorway of a same aircraft. The apparatus includes a telescopic passageway member that is pivotally mounted to the passageway member via a flexible connection. In use, the apparatus is cantilevered over the wing of an aircraft with the flexible connection substantially above a highest point along an upper surface of the aircraft wing. The flexible connection allows a cabin carried at an outboard end of the telescopic passageway member to mate to the rear doorway of the aircraft, providing an open passageway between the rear doorway and the terminal building through which passengers deplane.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and a method for providing a human sensable indication to an occupant of an aircraft that it is safe to open a door of the aircraft. An indication generator is provided for receiving a control signal in dependence upon a passenger bridge being correctly aligned with the door of the aircraft. More particularly, the passenger bridge is aligned with the door of the aircraft in one of a semi-automated and a fully-automated manner. The indication generator is also for providing the human sensable indication in dependence upon receiving the control signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel apparatus for moving passengers between an airport terminal building and a doorway of an aircraft located rearward of a wing of the aircraft. The inventive apparatus includes a passageway member pivotally anchored to one of the terminal building and a passenger loading bridge for servicing a front doorway of a same aircraft. The apparatus includes a telescopic passageway member that is pivotally mounted to the passageway member via a flexible connection. In use, the apparatus is cantilevered over the wing of an aircraft with the flexible connection substantially above a highest point along an upper surface of the aircraft wing. The flexible connection allows a cabin carried at an outboard end of the telescopic passageway member to mate to the rear doorway of the aircraft, providing an open passageway between the rear doorway and the terminal building through which passengers deplane.

Abstract: A fluid pumping system for an engine or other system which reduces the high speed driving power consumption by hydraulic unloading of the mechanically-driven pump element through the use of recirculation through a jet pump when a system fluid pressure target value is achieved. A pressure-activated flow control valve is utilized to efficiently recycle excessive flow volume from the pump through the jet pump and back to the pump's intake with minimized pressure loss, thereby hydraulically unloading the pump in comparison with conventional systems. Energy conservation by the jet pump and recirculation conduit acts to also prevent cavitation of the hydraulically unloaded pump element at high speeds. The fluid system is useful in conjunction with an engine balance shaft system to control gear rattle at low speeds without adding undue gear loads at high speeds.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for automatically aligning a passenger bridge to a door of an aircraft. The apparatus includes a sensor in the form of a laser range finder, a local computer for receiving signals from the sensor and for controlling bridge movement in dependence thereof, and memory storage for storing data relating to features of aircraft models with which the bridge is to be connected. Automated bridge alignment proceeds under the control of the local computer in dependence upon a determined error factor exceeding a predetermined minimum threshold value, which value is one of a default value and a value specified by a user of the apparatus. Accordingly, the instant invention permits different airlines to accept varying levels of risk associated with automatic bridge alignment.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving passengers between an airport terminal building and a doorway of an aircraft located rearward of a wing of the aircraft, including a passageway member pivotally anchored to one of the terminal building and a passenger loading bridge for servicing a front doorway of a same aircraft. The apparatus includes a telescopic passageway member that is pivotally mounted to the passageway member via a flexible connection. In use, the apparatus is cantilevered over the wing of an aircraft with the flexible connection substantially above a highest point along an upper surface of the aircraft wing. The flexible connection allows a cabin carried at an outboard end of the telescopic passageway member to mate the rear doorway of the aircraft, providing an open passageway between the rear doorway and the terminal building through which passenger deplane. Positioning the flexible connection above the high point of the wing approximately minimize the inclination of each passageway member floor surface.